Royal Dutch Koninginnensoep: A Luxurious Creamy Chicken and Smoked Salmon Soup Recipe
Step into a world of culinary elegance with this exceptional recipe for Dutch Koninginnensoep, often translated as “Queen’s Soup.” This isn’t just any chicken soup; it’s a wonderfully rich, creamy, and velvety experience, gracefully garnished with delicate strips of smoked salmon and fragrant fresh dill. Renowned for its soft texture and sophisticated flavor profile, Koninginnensoep is a true classic, making it a perfect choice for special occasions or simply when you desire a comforting yet luxurious meal. And rest assured, this soup isn’t reserved only for royalty – its irresistible charm will captivate your taste buds too!
Dutch Queen Soup with Smoked Salmon: A Royal Culinary Tradition
Embrace the exquisite taste of this queen soup, exquisitely prepared with smoked salmon. Its origins are often linked to sophisticated French culinary traditions, which have long influenced Dutch gastronomy, leading to this delightful fusion. This particular recipe masterfully blends the rich, salty notes of smoked salmon with a wonderfully smooth, velvety, and creamy soup base, creating a harmonious and truly memorable dish. Whether you’re planning an elaborate dinner party or simply craving something extraordinary and comforting, this Koninginnensoep is sure to impress.
The secret to its unparalleled richness and creamy consistency lies in a carefully prepared homemade roux, providing the perfect thickness and depth of flavor. Following this, a touch of egg yolk and a generous dash of fresh cream are introduced, transforming the soup into an incredibly luxurious, velvety-soft delight. The final flourish of premium smoked salmon and finely chopped dill doesn’t just add visual appeal; it elevates the entire experience, making each spoonful a pure treat.
What’s even more impressive is how quickly this gourmet experience comes together. Despite its elegant presentation and complex flavors, this delectable soup can be on your table in approximately 20 minutes, proving that truly royal dishes don’t always demand hours in the kitchen!
Essential Ingredients for Your Creamy Chicken Soup with Salmon and Dill
To recreate this authentic and utterly delicious Dutch Koninginnensoep with salmon, you’ll need a selection of high-quality ingredients that work together to build its signature flavor and texture. The precise quantities for each component are conveniently listed in the comprehensive recipe card located at the very end of this article.
- Butter and All-Purpose Flour: These two fundamental ingredients form the cornerstone of your roux, which is essential for thickening the soup. When preparing your roux, it’s crucial to cook the flour in the melted butter for at least two minutes. This vital step helps to cook out the raw flour taste, ensuring your Koninginnensoep has a smooth, rich flavor profile rather than an unpleasant floury undertone.
- Egg Yolk and Fresh Cream: The addition of a single egg yolk and a small amount of rich cream is where the magic truly happens, elevating the chicken soup to an incredibly creamy and luxurious consistency. The egg yolk acts as a natural binding agent, further thickening the soup, while both ingredients contribute a delicate richness and velvety soft texture that is characteristic of this classic dish. Remember to temper the egg yolk carefully to prevent curdling.
- Chicken Stock: The quality of your chicken stock profoundly impacts the overall taste of your Koninginnensoep. For the most profound and aromatic flavor, a homemade flavored chicken stock is always the superior choice. If homemade isn’t an option, opt for a high-quality, low-sodium store-bought chicken broth to ensure a delicious base.
- Smoked Salmon: The smoked salmon is the crowning glory of this soup, adding a wonderful savory, slightly salty, and rich flavor that perfectly complements the creamy base. It’s best to use cold-smoked salmon, such as premium Norwegian or wild salmon varieties, sliced into thin, delicate strips. Its tender texture and distinct flavor are key to the soup’s elegance.
- Fresh Dill: This soft, delicate herb is an indispensable garnish for Koninginnensoep. With its finely needle-like leaves, dill offers a unique flavor profile that is subtly sweet, with hints of lemon and a gentle vinegary freshness. It provides a bright contrast to the richness of the soup and the salmon, tying all the flavors together beautifully.
The Art of the Roux: Building Your Soup’s Foundation
A perfectly executed roux is the secret to a smooth, thick, and non-lumpy soup. Begin by melting the butter over medium heat. Once it’s completely liquid, add the flour all at once. Stir continuously with a wooden spatula for at least two minutes. This not only cooks the flour but also prevents it from clumping. The mixture will form a soft ball. This simple step is vital for the soup’s texture and taste, ensuring a silky finish without any raw flour notes.
Tempering the Egg Yolk and Cream: Achieving Velvety Perfection
To achieve that signature velvety texture without fear of curdling, tempering the egg yolk and cream mixture is essential. Whisk the egg yolk and cream thoroughly in a separate bowl. Before adding this mixture to the hot soup, slowly ladle a small amount of the hot soup into the egg-cream mixture while whisking constantly. This gradually raises the temperature of the egg, preventing it from scrambling when combined with the main pot of soup. Once tempered, you can confidently stir the mixture back into the main soup for a beautifully smooth and rich consistency.
Why Quality Chicken Stock Matters
Think of chicken stock as the canvas for your Koninginnensoep. A rich, flavorful homemade stock adds incredible depth and savory notes that store-bought versions often lack. It infuses the soup with a natural goodness that simply cannot be replicated. If making your own isn’t an option, select a premium low-sodium chicken broth and consider enhancing it with aromatics like bay leaves, thyme, or a touch of roasted chicken bones for extra flavor.
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📖 Recipe
RECIPE CARD
Andréa
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons butter, unsalted
- 4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
- 4¼ cup chicken stock
- 1 egg yolk
- ½ cup cream
- 1 teaspoon dill, freshly chopped
- 2 oz. smoked salmon , sliced into strips
All my recipes are written both in Metric (gram / ml) and US Customary (cups / pounds). Here you can select which type of amount you would like to see.
Instructions
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Begin by making a roux: melt the unsalted butter in a large, heavy-bottomed pan or Dutch oven over medium heat until fully liquid.2 tablespoons butter
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Add all the all-purpose flour at once to the melted butter. Stir continuously with a wooden spatula until a smooth ball of paste (the roux) is formed.4 tablespoons all-purpose flour
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Continue to cook the roux, stirring for at least 2 minutes to eliminate any raw flour taste. Then, gradually pour in the chicken stock, a small dash at a time, while vigorously whisking. This ensures the soup remains smooth and lump-free. Continue whisking until all the stock is incorporated and the soup is smooth.4¼ cup chicken stock
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Bring the soup to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld and the soup to thicken slightly.
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While the soup simmers, prepare the enriching mixture: in a separate bowl, thoroughly whisk the egg yolk with the fresh cream until well combined.1 egg yolk, ½ cup cream
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To prevent the egg from curdling, temper the mixture: gradually pour a small amount of the hot soup into the egg and cream mixture while continuously stirring with a whisk. This slowly raises the temperature of the egg mixture, acclimating it to the heat.
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Once tempered, gently pour the entire egg and cream mixture back into the main pot of soup, stirring constantly until fully incorporated and the soup is beautifully smooth and creamy. Do not let the soup boil after adding the egg mixture.
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Ladle the rich Koninginnensoep into individual bowls. Garnish generously with delicate strips of smoked salmon and a sprinkle of fresh dill. Serve immediately to enjoy its warmth and exquisite flavors.1 teaspoon dill, 2 oz. smoked salmon
Notes
2. The Best Chicken Stock: The foundation of any great soup is its stock. For superior flavor and body in your Queen’s Soup, a homemade flavored chicken stock is highly recommended. If using store-bought, opt for a high-quality, low-sodium variety.
3. Storage Tips for Koninginnensoep:
If you plan to store the soup for later, it’s best to omit the smoked salmon during the initial preparation. The salmon is best added fresh just before serving. Ensure the soup cools down quickly to room temperature before refrigerating or freezing.
- Refrigerator Storage: Pour the Dutch Koninginnensoep (without salmon) into an airtight container. It can be safely stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
- Freezer Storage: For longer preservation, store the creamy chicken soup in a freezer-safe container. Leave about ¼ inch (½ cm) of space from the top, as liquids expand slightly when frozen. This way, the soup will retain its quality for up to 2 months. Always thaw frozen soup in the refrigerator overnight before reheating.
TIP: For convenience, consider freezing the soup in individual portions. This allows you to defrost only the amount you need, reducing waste and prep time. - Reheating Instructions: Gently reheat the soup over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until it is thoroughly hot. It does not need to come to a full boil again; simply look for steam rising from the surface to confirm it’s hot enough. This method helps to preserve its exquisite taste and creamy texture. Add the fresh smoked salmon and dill only after the soup has been reheated.
Nutrition
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More Delightful Soup Recipes to Explore
If you’re a fan of comforting and flavorful soups, you’ve come to the right place! After enjoying the rich Koninginnensoep, you might be inspired to try more of our delightful soup creations. Here are a few more recipes that are sure to warm your heart and tantalize your taste buds:
- Vegetarian Cabbage and Leek Soup
- Tomato Leek Soup Recipe
- Granny’s Rich Split Pea Soup